The Atlanta Tip-Off Club revealed its annual watch list for the Naismith Trophy on Thursday, with UNC senior forward Garrison Brooks and freshman point guard Caleb Love each making the cut.

The Naismith Trophy is presented to the national player of the year.

Brooks was recently named the Preseason ACC Player of the Year as he returns for his senior season after posting averages of 16.8 points and 8.5 rebounds per game as a junior.

Love represents the newest McDonald’s All-American to fill the point guard role for head coach Roy Williams, as he will attempt to fill shoes worn by Coby White and Cole Anthony the last two seasons. He arrives in Chapel Hill as a five-star recruit ranked as the No. 2 player at his position by 24/7 Sports.

UNC is one of just seven schools with two players on the Naismith Trophy watch list, joining Gonzaga, Duke, Baylor, Illinois, Kentucky and LSU.

UNC men’s basketball will tip-off its season on Wednesday, November 25, against the College of Charleston.

 

Photo via Todd Melet

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